Gay man with alzheimers turns straight
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2019, July 14. Increased Risk of Subjective Cognitive Decline in the LGBT Community. https://www.alz.org/aaic/releases_2019/sunLGBT-jul14.asp
3Jason Flatt, PhD. 2019, July 14.
You hold future generations on your shoulders as the new century arrives; because of you they’re reaching new heights, demanding more rights and as they march they cheer your name.
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For the first time, the United States is able to witness one of the first generations of publicly “out” LGBTQ+ elders.
By the end of the 1990s, you change a nation.
LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely to live alone and more likely than cis and heterosexual adults to not be married or have children4. Perhaps they hadn’t yet came out publicly as transgender and the clothes they wear in private help them see themselves for who they truly are.”
Whether it’s assisted living or a nursing home, a patient’s private and public worlds merge.
To further promote greater sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of LGBTQ+ elders, AFA developed a professional training course, “Supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community in Dementia Care,” which is available to the public and for the professional development of individuals and organizations.
In the Margins: Alzheimer's and LGBTQ+ Adults
It’s the 1950s and you’re a hushed secret.
From a lack of representation in Alzheimer’s research to combating a history of stigma, there’s no better time than now to ensure LGBTQ+ older adults are provided with adequate care that uplifts the life they fought so hard for.
Read previous stories shedding light on the disparities in LGBTQ+ health care, including representation in breast cancer research and the importance of medical education in a physician’s training of equitable care.
1Human Rights Campaign.
“We need to mitigate those experiences and support people.
“They all know I’m married to a woman. For decades, these individuals have experienced insurmountable stigma and hindrances in receiving fundamental rights. They don’t judge us or treat us differently.
“Besides memory, Alzheimer’s affects judgment, problem-solving, all high-level skills,” Apostolova said.
“To have a positive experience and relationship with your health care provider is the very least that could happen.”
More awareness, more access
While recent years have seen improved rights for LGBTQ+ individuals, there are still many areas for health systems, medical institutions and senior care facilities to do more in creating equitable access to care for LGBTQ+ adults.
Fifty Years After Stonewall, HRC Commemorates the Riots That Helped Spark a Movement.. https://www.hrc.org/news/50-years-after-stonewall-hrc-commemorates-the-riots-that-spaked-a-movement
2Alzheimer's Association.
By the time the 1970s arrive, you find people just like you. Even national organizations question who you are, placing labels on your chest like Hester Prynne.
Led by third-year psychiatry resident, Dustin Nowaskie, MD, the organization recognizes the unique health care needs of LGBTQ+ people by connecting them with providers who have extensive knowledge and awareness of LGBTQ+ health care. “Without the ability to drive, how do you get your groceries or arrive to your appointments? Some were activists in large cities as others lived quietly in small, rural towns; however, the amount of prejudice they all witnessed can still be felt rippling through time, not least of which when accessing health care.
Even if it doesn’t make the situation better itself, it makes me feel better and that matters,” Mary said. I did it at 71 and have never looked back!
Healthcare is much more accepting these days and those starting a dementia journey will get fantastic help and support if they are open and honest.